"I grew up going to Costco with my parents almost every weekend, and my brother and I were pretty much left to do our own thing while our parents shopped. I remember always having the best time: office chair races, sprawling on a massive couch to read books, posting up in front of a huge TV, intercepting my parents to get free samples, bringing random snacks we found to beg them to put them in the cart."
"Ah, Costco. Land of the buck-fifty hot dog. Home of the giant mayonnaise jar which, though probably meant for commercial use, is surprisingly easy to get through in a month. I'd be the first to agree with you that this is an ideal proving ground for child independence. First of all, people need a membership to get in. Second, there is a decent amount of security at the exit. This type of controlled environment is ideal for easing the minds of paranoid parents."
Costco's membership requirement and exit security provide a controlled retail environment suited for gradually granting children supervised freedom. Childhood freedom in the warehouse can teach navigation, asking for help, and independence through low-risk exploration like sitting on display furniture or sampling snacks. Parental judgment should guide permissions based on each child's comfort, compliance, and temperament. Children who cannot navigate spaces or seek assistance should not roam alone, and overly defiant children should be kept close. Parents must balance fostering autonomy with respect for store staff and other customers, and set clear boundaries to prevent toppling displays or harassment.
Read at Slate Magazine
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